Blood Test Results for My 8-Year-Old Daughter
Apologies for the lengthy post, but I wanted to share what's been happening with my daughter. About a week ago, she began to express discomfort in her chest. Initially, I didn’t think too much of it since she described it as intermittent. I figured perhaps she had strained a muscle or was experiencing heartburn. However, as the week progressed, she mentioned that the discomfort radiated into her stomach and caused pain around her rib area. I tried giving her some Tums on Sunday, hoping it would relieve the symptoms, but she reported no improvement and went to bed. When I woke her up for school on Monday, she complained of feeling exceptionally achy, and her legs felt weak. That prompted me to take her to see the pediatrician the same day. After a thorough examination, the doctor reassured me that everything seemed fine and that her breathing sounded normal. I was advised to monitor her condition and send her to school on Tuesday, which was today. Unfortunately, she experienced similar symptoms again this morning, feeling achy with weak legs and some stomach discomfort accompanied by mild nausea. Concerned, I took her to a rapid care facility where I shared my worries, leading them to conduct a series of tests. This included a blood test, a chest X-ray, a urine sample, and screenings for RSV, COVID-19, flu, and strep throat. The results of the chest X-ray appeared normal, and her urine test, as well as the results for strep, and tests for Mono and Flu/COVID/RSV, all came back negative. We were instructed to go home while we awaited the blood test results. When those results were received, most values fell within the normal range, but her glucose level was alarmingly low at 57%. This is particularly concerning to me because she previously had a blood test on January 31 when she had the flu, and her glucose was at 82%. According to online resources, a 57% glucose level is considered low for a child, and it's causing me a great deal of worry. I’m anxiously awaiting a call from the doctor in the morning. Below, I've included her blood test results for further insights: - WBC: 6.0 (normal) - RBC: 4.71 (normal) - HGB: 13.2 (normal) - HCT: 42.0 (high) - MCV: 89.2 (high) - MCH: 28.0 (normal) - MCHC: 31.4 (low) - RDW-CV: 12.8 (normal) - PLATELETS: 368 (high) - HPV: 10.0 (normal) Differential values show: - NEUTROPHIL %: 40.4 - LYMPHOCYTE %: 45.8 - MONOCYTE %: 7.5 - EOSINOPHIL %: 5.3 - BASOPHIL %: 0.8 While I had intended for her to return to school tomorrow, she still seems fatigued, achy, and continues to experience stomach pain, so I’ve decided to keep her home instead. Is this situation cause for worry? Should I be concerned about drastic diagnoses such as diabetes? I would appreciate any words of comfort. Thank you. 🙏🏽
Answers (1)
4/2/2025, 2:40:50 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s completely understandable to feel anxious about your daughter’s symptoms and the low blood glucose level. The combination of chest discomfort, weak legs, and stomach discomfort, along with the low glucose reading of 57%, does raise some concerns that warrant careful attention. However, it's encouraging that other tests have come back normal. Let's break it down.
Explanation:
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Low Blood Glucose (Hypoglycemia): For children, a glucose level below 70 mg/dL is typically considered low. A reading of 57% is indeed concerning and should be addressed. Symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and nausea can be signs of low blood sugar, which might explain her discomfort. It's crucial to ensure she has adequate nutrition and hydration.
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Other Test Results: The normal results of the chest X-ray, urine sample, and other viral tests are reassuring since they help rule out several acute conditions. Variations in HCT, MCV, and platelet counts can occur for many reasons, but they may not be directly related to her current symptoms.
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Ongoing Symptoms: Since your daughter is still experiencing these symptoms, keeping her home is a wise decision. It allows her body to recover and prevents potential spread of any undiagnosed illness at school.
Next Steps:
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Immediate Nutritional Focus:
- Monitor her food intake: Encourage small meals or snacks that are rich in carbohydrates and protein to help raise her blood glucose levels safely. Foods like fruit, yogurt, or crackers can be good options.
- Frequent Monitoring: Check her blood sugar levels if you have a meter, or observe her for signs of hypoglycemia (like sweating, irritability, or dizziness).
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Hydration and Rest: Ensure she is drinking enough fluids. Rest is very important to help her body recuperate, especially if she feels fatigued and achy.
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Documentation: Keep a record of her symptoms, eating patterns, and any further developments. This information will be valuable for her doctor when they review her case.
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Communicate with Her Doctor: Since you're expecting a call in the morning, prepare any questions or concerns you have, particularly about the low glucose level and managing her symptoms. It's important to understand the plan moving forward.
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Emergency Signs: Be aware of any worsening symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, confusion, or persistent vomiting. If she exhibits any of these or her condition significantly worsens, seek medical help immediately.
It’s normal to feel concerned, but being proactive and observant can make a difference. You're doing well to seek answers and monitor her closely, and I hope her doctor will provide you with more clarity soon. Please take care, and don’t hesitate to reach out for support if you need it!
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